Northland Challenge Kayak Races

Northland Area Federal Credit Union and the Thunder Bay River Center present the Third Annual Northland Challenge! Join us at the Alpena Duck Park - 1510 W Chisholm Street, Alpena, MI 49707 at 9:00 AM on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 for the kayak sport race and recreational kayak race! 

Registration Details:

• $25 early registration
• $35 day of registration
• $20 discounted registration for EMTs, First Responders, Veterans, Healthcare Workers, Teachers, and College Students, and Bay Athletic Gym Members (must register on day of to receive discount)

Race Details:

• Day of Registration at Alpena Duck Park, Alpena, MI 49707
• Day of Registration begins at 7:30 AM on Saturday, July 20th, 2024
• Sprint Race begins at 9:00 AM
• Recreational Race begins at 9:15 AM

Race Route:

Kayakers will launch into the river at Duck Park and then paddle upstream toward the Alpena County Fairgrounds. Racers will turn around at Sytek Park Bagley Bridge, paddle downstream, and pass under the bridge at the Duck Park to finish.  

Sport Race Prizes:

• 1st Place: $1,000
• 2nd Place: $750
• 3rd Place: $500

Recreational Race Prizes:

• 1st Place: $500 
• 2nd Place: $250
• 3rd Place: $100
• 4th Place: Surprise Donation
• 5th Place: Surprise Donation

For more information, visit https://www.northlandcu.com/northlandchallenge

To view the race rules, click here. 

Online registration closes Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 at 8:00 AM.

All proceeds benefit the Thunder Bay River Center and Alpena Animal Control.